Apparatus and method for design support using layout positions of first and second terminals

ABSTRACT

A design support method executed by a computer includes: detecting a layout position of a first terminal in a cell as a first layout position from layout data including a cell of a macro which is arranged at a plurality of orientations, the first terminal being arranged at a first orientation; calculating a second layout position of a first terminal which is arranged at a second orientation which is different from the first orientation based on a variation from the first orientation to the second orientation and the first layout position; associating the second layout position with the first layout position and the layout data; and outputting an association result.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2009-223871 filed on Sep. 29, 2009, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments discussed herein relate to designing layout data for acircuit.

2. Description of Related Art

In a layout of semiconductor integrated circuits, transistors may belaid out so that they have substantially the same pitch and facessubstantially the same direction in order to improve yield or reduceirregularities.

Related art is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.H04-163963, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 558-166742, andJapanese Patent No. 3275313, for example.

SUMMARY

According to one example of the embodiments, a design support methodexecuted by a computer is provided which includes: detecting a layoutposition of a first terminal in a circuit cell (hereinafter, “cell” or“cells”) as a first layout position from layout data including a cell ofa macro which is arranged at a plurality of orientations, the firstterminal being arranged at a first orientation; calculating a secondlayout position of a first terminal which is arranged at a secondorientation which is different from the first orientation based on avariation from the first orientation to the second orientation and thefirst layout position; associating the second layout position with thefirst layout position and the layout data; and outputting an associationresult.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary layout data;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary layout data;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary layout data;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary circuit symbol;

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary three-dimensional layout data;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary detection results and computationresults;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary layout data;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary design support process;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus;

FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary detecting layout positions;

FIG. 11 illustrates exemplary computing layout positions;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary translation process;

FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary computing connecting wire layoutpositions;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary rearranging the connecting wire layout;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary layout data;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary design support process;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary inverter;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary inverter;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary NAND;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary NAND;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary resistive element;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary capacitive element; and

FIG. 23 illustrates exemplary macro orientations.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the figures, dimensions and/or proportions may be exaggerated forclarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when an elementis referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may bedirectly connected or indirectly connected, i.e., intervening elementsmay also be present. Further, it will be understood that when an elementis referred to as being “between” two elements, it may be the onlyelement layer between the two elements, or one or more interveningelements may also be present.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary layout data. For example, when changinga vertically-oriented macro to horizontally-oriented layout, the wireconnections may be maintained and the orientation of the circuit cellswithin the macro may be changed. If the cells in the vertically-orientedmacro are rearranged so as to maintain cell orientation, the wireconnections of the cells may be changed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary layout data. A design support apparatusdetects layout positions of a cell terminal as the first terminal layoutpositions from layout data including a plurality cells arranged in aplurality of orientations in a macro. The design support apparatus maydetect the layout position of a first terminal of IN that receives anexternally-supplied input signal, as well as the layout position of afirst terminal OUT that outputs an output signal. Via holes for a givenlayer may also be detected. Taking the center of the layout data as anorigin (0,0), the layout position of the first terminal IN is (−a,0),while the layout position of the first terminal OUT is (a,0).

The design support apparatus calculates the position of a secondterminal of a cell arranged in the other orientation that differs fromthe given orientation of the first terminal based on a variation fromthe given orientation to the other orientation and the layout positionof the first terminal.

A tool for layout design specifies an X axis and a Y axis on the layoutdata. Using the coordinates of the specified X axis and Y axis, thelayout position of a wire and an element is determined. The verticaldirection in the drawing indicates the Y axis on the layout data, whilethe horizontal direction in the drawing indicates the X axis on thelayout data. A macro having a vertical length which is longer than ahorizontal length may be defined to be a macro arranged in a verticalorientation, for example, a vertically-oriented macro. A macro having ahorizontal length which is longer than a vertical length may be definedto be a macro arranged in a horizontal orientation, for example, ahorizontally-oriented macro. The second terminal layout positions may beobtained by rotating a 90 degree on the center of the layout data fromthe first terminal layout position

The design support apparatus associates the first terminal layoutpositions, the second terminal layout positions and the cell layoutdata. For example, the first terminal layout positions and the secondterminal layout positions are associated using a table illustrated inFIG. 2. The layout data may also be associated using the tableillustrated in FIG. 2. The design support apparatus outputs theassociation results.

The design support apparatus inserts a terminal at the second terminallayout positions. The via holes of a certain via layer are inserted atthe second terminal layout positions. The design support apparatuscouples the first terminals and the second terminals. A macro is thusgenerated in two orientations including one orientation and the otherorientation.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary layout data. The cell layout dataillustrated in FIG. 3A includes inverter layout data 200. FIG. 3Billustrates an exemplary circuit symbol. The input terminal of theinverter may be IN, while the output terminal may be OUT. A signal inputinto IN is inverted and then output from OUT.

The layout data 200 includes diffusion layer area, a polyimide (Poly)layer gate, LA layer wiring, LB layer wiring, NA layer via holes, NBlayer via holes, and NC layer via holes. The diffusion layer area andthe LA layer wiring are coupled via the NA layer via holes. The Polylayer gate and the LA wiring are coupled via the NA layer via holes. TheLA layer wiring and the LB layer wiring are coupled via the NB layer viaholes. The cell frame indicating the cell boundary, such as the outerperimeter of the cell, may be square. The transistor level circuits ofthe inverter may include common circuits. The NC layer via holes may beterminals. The first terminal IN and the first terminal OUT areillustrated. The center of the cell may be taken as the origin.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary three-dimensional layout data. Thelayout data illustrated in FIG. 3C may be a three-dimensionalrepresentation of the layout data illustrated in FIG. 3A. The whiteblock indicated at the lowermost layer may be the diffusion layer zone.The first terminal IN is coupled to an external wire, such as the wirefrom another cell, which is on a higher layer than the LB layer. Anexternal signal is input into the inverter via the first terminal IN.The first terminal OUT is coupled to an external wire, which is on ahigher layer than the LB layer. A signal is externally output from theinverter via the first OUT terminal.

The layout data 200 may be stored in a computer-readable storageapparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus. The designsupport apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301,read-only memory (ROM) 302, random access memory (RAM) 303, a magneticdisk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disc drive 306, anoptical disc 307, a display 308, an interface (I/F) 309, a keyboard 310,a mouse 311, a scanner 312, and a printer 313. The respective elementsare coupled by a bus 300.

The CPU 301 controls the design support apparatus. The ROM 302 may storeprograms such as boot programs. The RAM 303 may be used as a work areafor the CPU 301. In accordance with controls by the CPU 301, themagnetic disk drive 304 controls data read or write from or to themagnetic disk 305. The magnetic disk 305 stores data written thereto bythe magnetic disk drive 304.

In accordance with controls by the CPU 301, the optical disc drive 306controls data read or write from or to the optical disc 307. The opticaldisc 307 stores data written thereto by the optical disc drive 306. Acomputer may also read data from the optical disc 307.

The display 308 displays data such as a cursor, icons, tool boxes, text,images and function information. The display 308 may include, forexample, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, or a plasma display.

The I/F 309 is coupled to a network 314 by a communication line. Thenetwork 314 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), or the Internet, for example. The I/F 309 is coupled to otherapparatus via the network 314. The I/F 309 controls the input or outputof data from or to external apparatus as an interface between thenetwork 314 and the internal apparatus. The I/F 309 may include a modemor LAN adapter, for example.

The keyboard 310 inputs data, and includes keys for inputting data suchas text, numbers, and various commands. The keyboard 310 may alsoinclude elements such as a touch panel input pad or a numeric keypad.The mouse 311 moves the cursor or windows, selects areas, and changesthe size of elements. The keyboard 310 may also include a pointingdevice, track ball, or joystick.

The scanner 312 optically reads images, and inputs image data to thedesign support apparatus. The scanner 312 may also include opticalcharacter recognition (OCR) functions. The printer 313 prints image dataand text data. The printer 313 may include a laser printer or an inkjetprinter.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus. The designsupport apparatus 400 includes a detecting unit 401, a computing unit402, an associating unit 403, an inserting unit 404, a connecting unit405, and an outputting unit 406. Those units from the detecting unit 401to the outputting unit 406 are implemented by the CPU 301 executing aprogram stored in a storage apparatus such as the ROM 302, the RAM 303,the magnetic disk 305, or the optical disc 307 illustrated in FIG. 4.

The detecting unit 401 detects the layout position of the cell terminalas the first layout position from layout data of cells included in amacro arranged at a plurality of orientations. The terminal of a cellarranged in advance in the layout data may be the first terminal, whilenewly inserted terminal may be the second terminal. The detecting unit401 includes a function indicated by the leftmost horizontal arrow inFIG. 2. For example, if the center position of the layout data 200 istaken as the origin (0,0), then the detecting unit 401 may detect thelayout position of the first terminal IN (−a,0) as well as the layoutposition of the first terminal OUT (a,0).

The first terminal may be arranged at the plurality of orientations;thus, when its corresponding first terminal layout positions is at thecenter of the cell, e.g., at the origin (0,0), new terminals may not beused. For this reason, the operations from the computing unit 402 to theconnecting unit 405 may not be performed.

The computing unit 402 calculates the second terminal layout positionsarranged at the other orientation which is different from the oneorientation at which the first terminal is arranged, based on thevariation from the one orientation to the other orientation as well asthe first terminal layout positions detected by the detecting unit 401.

For example, the computing unit 402 may calculate the layout position ofthe second IN terminal based on the layout position of the firstterminal IN. When the macro orientations are vertical and horizontal,the computing unit 402 may calculate the layout position of the secondterminal IN based on the first terminal layout positions. The layoutposition of the second terminal IN is obtained by rotating a 90 degreeon the center of the origin from the first terminal layout positions.The computing unit 402 substitutes a first terminal layout position intothe following equitation and calculates the position obtained byrotating a 90 degree from the first terminal layout position.

$\begin{matrix}{{\overset{arrow}{P}}^{\prime} = {{\begin{pmatrix}{\cos\; 90{^\circ}} & {{- \sin}\; 90{^\circ}} \\{\sin\; 90{^\circ}} & {\cos\; 90{^\circ}}\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{P}}\mspace{25mu} = {\begin{pmatrix}0 & {- 1} \\1 & 0\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{P}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

The vector P indicates a first terminal layout position. When a firstterminal layout position is P(x,y), the second terminal layout positionmay be P′(−y,x).

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary detection results and computation results.In FIG. 6, terminal layout positions are illustrated. In detectionresults, the layout position of the first terminal IN is detected to beP1(−a,0), while the layout position of the first terminal OUT isdetected to be P2(a,0).

In computation results, a layout position P1′(0,−a), which is obtainedby rotating a 90 degree on the center of the cell from the layoutposition P1(−a,0), is calculated as the layout position of the secondterminal IN. A layout position P2′(0,a), which is obtained by rotating a90 degree from the layout position P2(a,0), is calculated as the layoutposition of the second terminal OUT. The computation results may bestored in a storage apparatus such as the RAM 303, the magnetic disk305, or the optical disc 307.

The associating unit 403 associates the second terminal layout positionscalculated or computed by the computing unit 402 with the first terminallayout positions and with the layout data 200. For example, theassociating unit 403 may generate a table including the layout data 200,the first terminal layout positions and the second terminal layoutpositions. The generated table may correspond to the table illustratedin FIG. 2.

The outputting unit 406 outputs the association results associated bythe associating unit 403. For example, the associating unit 403 mayoutput the table. The association results may also be displayed on thedisplay 308, output to the printer 313, or transmitted to an externalapparatus by the I/F 309. The association results may also be stored ina storage apparatus such as the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, or theoptical disc 307.

The inserting unit 404 inserts a terminal at one of the second terminallayout positions in the layout data 200 for each second terminal layoutposition associated with the layout data 200 by the associating unit403. For example, for each second terminal layout position, theinserting unit 404 may insert an NC layer via hole at the layoutposition of a second terminal in the layout data 200.

The connecting unit 405 couples the first terminal and the secondterminal based on the second terminal layout position where the secondterminal has been inserted by the inserting unit 404 and the firstterminal layout position associated with the second terminal layoutposition. For example, the connecting unit 405 may couple the NC layervia hole corresponding to the first terminal IN to the NC layer via holecorresponding to the second terminal IN through LB layer wiring, an NBlayer via hole and LA layer wiring. The connecting unit 405 may alsocouple the NC layer via hole corresponding to the first terminal OUT tothe NC layer via hole corresponding to the second OUT terminal OUTthrough LB layer wiring, an NB layer via hole and LA layer wiring.

The CPU 301 may also perform operations corresponding to the insertingunit 404 and the connecting unit 405 by supplying the associationresults to an automatic wiring tool and then executing the automaticwiring tool.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary layout data. The layout dataillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be connection results output from theconnecting unit 405. In the layout data 600 illustrated in FIG. 7A, asecond terminal is inserted and is coupled to a first terminal. In thethree-dimensional representation of the layout data 600 illustrated inFIG. 7B, the first terminal IN and the second terminal IN are coupledthrough via LA layer wiring, which is positioned lower than the NClayer, and the first terminal OUT and the second terminal OUT arecoupled.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary design support process. The designsupport process illustrated in FIG. 8 may also be conducted by thedesign support apparatus 400. In operation S701, layout data of circuitcells within a macro arranged at a plurality of orientations is acquiredfrom a storage apparatus. In operation S702, the detecting unit 401detects a first terminal layout position in one cell. The detecting unit401 may detect a layout position for each terminal (e.g., a first INterminal and a first OUT terminal) within the one cell from the layoutdata, and treat the detected layout position(s) as the first terminallayout position(s).

In operation S703, it is determined whether there exists an unselectedfirst terminal. If the unselected first terminal does exist (operationS703: Yes), one of the first terminals is selected from among the one ormore unselected first terminals in operation S704.

In operation S705, it is determined whether a layout position of a firstterminal is at the center of the cell, for example. If the firstterminal is at the origin (operation S705: Yes), the outputting unit 406outputs information indicating that the first terminal and a secondterminal are shared in operation S706. The process then returns to theoperation S703. If the first terminal is not at the origin (operationS705: No), the processes from the computing unit 402 to the connectingunit 405 may not be performed because the first terminal and the secondterminal exist at substantially the same position.

If there is not a first terminal at the origin (operation S705: No), thecomputing unit 402 calculates the second terminal layout position basedon the first terminal layout position in operation 707. In operationS708, it is determined whether or not the second terminal layoutposition overlaps the layout position of another terminal. If layoutposition overlaps (operation S708: Yes), information is outputindicating that the layout position overlaps with another terminal inoperation S709. The process then returns to the operation S703.

If the second terminal layout position does not overlap the layoutposition of another terminal (operation S708: No), then in operationS710, the associating unit 403 associates first terminal layout positionwith the second terminal layout position and the layout data. Inoperation S711, the inserting unit 404 inserts a terminal at the secondterminal layout position. Via holes in a certain via layer may also beinserted. In operation S712, the first terminal and the second terminalare coupled through connecting wire in a wiring layer which ispositioned lower than the certain terminal layer. The process thenreturns to the operation S703.

If an unselected second terminal does not exist (operation S703: No),the outputting unit 406 outputs in operation S713, and the process ends.

A macro where cells including a first terminal and a second terminal arearranged according to the macro orientation is converted to anotherorientation. The macro orientation may also be automatically convertedfrom vertical to horizontal. The orientation as well as the wireconnection of the cells arranged within the macro may be maintained.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary design support apparatus. The designsupport apparatus 800 includes a detecting unit 801, a computing unit802, a translating unit 803, a rotating unit 804, and an outputting unit805. The elements from the detecting unit 801 to the outputting unit 805may be implemented by the CPU 301 executing programs stored in a storageapparatus such as the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, orthe optical disc 307 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary detecting layout position. In FIG. 10,the layout position of first cell and the layout position of firstconnecting wires may be detected. In the layout data 900, the grid sizemay be “a.” In the layout data 900, a plurality of cells 1 to 3 arearranged vertically. The plurality of cells 1 to 3 include firstterminals used in the vertical orientation, and second terminals used inthe horizontal orientation.

The shapes of individual cells, such as the cell frames, may be a shapewhose length in one orientation is substantially equal to length in theother orientation. For example, the cell shapes may be square, circular,or similar shapes. For example, the cell frames which indicate the cellboundaries may be square. The origin (0,0) of the layout data 900 may beat the lower-left position in FIG. 10.

The NC layer square arranged within each cell indicates first terminal,while the NC layer circle indicates second terminal. Pairs of a firstterminal square and a second terminal circle are coupled via wiring in alower layer than the NC layer. In the layout data 900, cells are coupledto each other by the first terminal squares. The cell 1 and the cell 2are coupled by a connecting wire 1, the cell 1 and the cell 3 arecoupled by a connecting wire 2, and the cell 2 and the cell 3 arecoupled by a connecting wire 3. The layout data 900 includes physicalinformation. The layout data 900 includes the layout position of theindividual cell and the layout position of the individual connectingwire. Since the connecting wire 1 is shaped like a backward “C”, thelayout data 900 includes coordinates of four endpoints. The layout data900 may also be stored in a storage apparatus accessible by the CPU 301.

From the layout data 900, the detecting unit 801 detects the layoutposition of the first cell by detecting the center position of eachcell. From the layout data 900, the detecting unit 801 detects thelayout position of the first connecting wire by detecting the connectingwire that couples the cells.

For example, the detecting unit 801 may detect the center position ofcell 11, C1(2a,10a), as the first layout position of cell 1. Thedetecting unit 801 may detect the center position of cell 2, C2(2a,6a),as the first cell layout position of cell 2. The detecting unit 801 maydetect the center position of cell 3, C3(2a,2a), as the first layoutposition of cell 3. The coordinates F1(0,12a) and F2(0,8a) and thecenter position of cell 1 are detected for the translation processperformed by the translating unit 803. The detecting unit 801 may simplydetect a center position and at least two other positions in a cell.

For example, from the layout data 900, the detecting unit 801 may detecta position of the connecting wire as a first connecting wire layoutposition for each connecting wire between cells. The first connectingwire layout position of the connecting wire 1 may be L1(1a,11a) andL2(1a,7a). Since the connecting wire 1 is shaped like a backward “C”,the layout data 900 includes coordinates of four endpoints asinformation for the connecting wire 1. In order to change theorientation of the connecting wire 1, the four coordinates may beconverted to displaced positions. The processes of the computing unit802 and the rotating unit 804 may be substantially the same or similarregardless of position.

The first connecting wire layout position of the connecting wire 2 maybe L3(3a,9a) and L4(1a,3a) and the first connecting wire layout positionof the connecting wire 3 may be L5(3a,1a) and L6(3a,5a).

For each cell, the computing unit 802 illustrated in FIG. 9 calculates asecond cell layout position in a horizontally-oriented macro based onthe variation from the vertical orientation to the horizontalorientation and the first cell layout position detected by the detectingunit 801. For example, the computing unit 802 may set a positionobtained by rotating a 90 degree from the first cell layout position ona given position to the second cell layout position. The given positionmay be the macro origin. For example, the computing unit 802 maycalculate by substituting the first cell layout position into thefollowing Equation 22.

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{\overset{arrow}{C}}^{\prime} = {\begin{pmatrix}{\cos\; 90{^\circ}} & {{- \sin}\; 90{^\circ}} \\{\sin\; 90{^\circ}} & {\cos\; 90{^\circ}}\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{C}}} \\{= {\begin{pmatrix}0 & {- 1} \\1 & 0\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{C}}}\end{matrix} & (2)\end{matrix}$

The vector C indicates the first cell layout position. If the equation 2is used when a first cell layout position is C(x,y), the second celllayout position may be C′(−y,x).

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computing layout position. The secondcell layout position of cell 1 may be calculated. In FIG. 11, the wiringthat couples cells may be omitted. The second cell layout position ofcell 1, which is obtained by rotating a 90 degree from the first celllayout position of cell 1, C1(2a,10a) on the origin, may beC1′(−10a,2a). Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, the second celllayout position of cell 2 may be C2′(−6a,2a) and the second cell layoutposition of cell 3 may be C3′(−2a,2a).

The computing unit 802 calculates a second cell layout position of ahorizontally-oriented macro in a position other than the center positionof the cell. The computing unit 802 calculates F1′ which corresponds tothe second cell layout position of F1 by substituting C1′ correspondingto the second cell layout position of cell 1, F1 and C1 into Equation 3.{right arrow over (F1′)}={right arrow over (C1′)}+({right arrow over(F1)}−{right arrow over (C1)})  (3)

Since the difference between F1 and C1 is (−2a,2a), F1′ is (−12a,4a).Similarly to F1, the second cell layout position F2′ calculated by thecomputing unit 802 becomes (12a,0). The computing unit 802 may perform asimilar operation on cell 2 and cell 3.

The translating unit 803 illustrated in FIG. 9 translates cells based onthe first cell layout position and the second cell layout positioncalculated by the computing unit 802 for each cell.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary translation process. For example, thetranslating unit 803 converts the first cell layout position of cell 1into the second cell layout position of cell 1. The center position ofcell 1 may be converted from C1(2a,10a) to C1′(−10a,2a). The translatingunit 803 may translate the cell 1 by converting the cell layout positionfrom F1 to F1′ and from F2 to F2′, for example. Although not illustratedin FIG. 12, cell 2 and cell 3 may also be translated by the translatingunit 803 similarly to cell 1.

The computing unit 802 illustrated in FIG. 9 calculates a connectingwire layout position in the horizontal orientation, for each connectingwire between the cells, based on the variation from the verticalorientation to the horizontal orientation and the first connecting wirelayout position detected by the detecting unit 801. The secondconnecting wire layout position may be obtained by rotating a 90 degreefrom the first connecting wire layout position on the macro origin. Forexample, the computing unit 802 may calculates each second connectingwire layout position by substituting the first connecting wire layoutposition into Equation 4.

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{\overset{arrow}{L}}^{\prime} = {\begin{pmatrix}{\cos\; 90{^\circ}} & {{- \sin}\; 90{^\circ}} \\{\sin\; 90{^\circ}} & {\cos\; 90{^\circ}}\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{L}}} \\{= {\begin{pmatrix}0 & {- 1} \\1 & 0\end{pmatrix} \times \overset{arrow}{L}}}\end{matrix} & (4)\end{matrix}$

The vector L in Equation 4 indicates the first connecting wire layoutposition. When a first connecting wire layout position is L(x,y), thesecond connecting wire layout position may be L′(−y,x).

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary computing connecting wire layoutposition. The second connecting wire layout position of connecting wireL1 calculated based on the endpoint L1(1a,11a) of connecting wire 1 maybe L1′(−11a,1a). The second connecting wire layout position for L2calculated based on the endpoints L2(1a, 7a) of the connecting wire 1may be L2′(−7a,1a).

The rotating unit 804 illustrated in FIG. 9 rotates from a firstconnecting wire layout position to a second connecting wire layoutposition.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary rearranging a connecting wire layout.The connecting wire 1 may be rearranged by a rotation process. Therotating unit 804 converts the L1 and L2 of the connecting wire 1 intoL1′ and L2′, respectively. In FIG. 14, the connecting wire 1 isrearranged to a position obtained by rotating a 90 degree rotation onthe macro origin. Although not illustrated in FIG. 14, the connectingwire 2 and the connecting wire 3 may also be rearranged to positionsobtained by rotating a 90 degree rotation on the macro origin, similarlyto the connecting wire 1.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary layout data. The layout dataillustrated in FIG. 15 may be layout data subjected to a translationprocess (i.e., translated layout data). The translated layout data 1400may be a macro arranged in a horizontal orientation. The layout data 900includes a first terminal, for example a square terminal. The translatedlayout data 1400 may also include a second terminal, for example, acircle terminal. The orientation of cells in the layout data 900 and theorientation of cells in the translated layout data 1400 may besubstantially the same or similar, and the shapes of individualconnecting wires between cells may also be substantially the same orsimilar. The orientations of the cells are maintained even if the macroorientation is converted. The connecting wires between cells may be alsomaintained. Rewiring may be reduced, depending on the orientation inwhich the macro is arranged.

The outputting unit 805 illustrated in FIG. 9 outputs layout datasubjected to a translation process and a rotation process. For example,the outputting unit 805 may output the translated layout data 1400. Thelayout data may be displayed on the display 308, printed by the printer313, or sent to an external apparatus by the I/F 309, for example. Thelayout data may also be stored in a storage apparatus such as the RAM303, the magnetic disk 305, or the optical disc 307.

Whether wire connections are maintained within the macro based on aLayout Versus Schematic (LVS), which is based on the translated layoutdata 1400 and a net list of the macro, may be checked.

When the macro is vertically-oriented, the first terminal may be used.When the macro is horizontally-oriented, the second terminal is used.The first terminal may be used when the macro is horizontally-oriented,and the second terminals may be used when the macro isvertically-oriented. When the macro is vertically-oriented, the cellswithin the macro may be vertically-oriented. When the macro ishorizontally-oriented, the cells within the macro may behorizontally-oriented. The transistors included in the cells in themacro may be uniformly oriented.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary design support process. The designsupport apparatus illustrated in FIG. 16 may be executed by the designsupport apparatus 800. In operation S1501, whether an unselected cellexists in the macro layout data or not is determined. If an unselectedcell does exist (operation S1501: Yes), one cell is selected from amongthe one or more unselected cells (operation S1502).

In operation S1502, the detecting unit 801 detects the center positionof the cell as the first cell layout position. In operation S1504, thecomputing unit 802 calculates a second cell layout position by applyinga 90-degree rotation to the first cell layout position. In operationS1505, the translating unit 803 translates the cell based on the firstcell layout position and the second cell layout position. The processthen returns to operation S1501.

In an unselected cell does not exist (operation S1501: No), thedetecting unit 801 determines whether or not an unselected connectingwire exists in the layout data in operation S1506.

In an unselected connecting wire does exist (operation S1506: Yes), oneconnecting wire is selected from among the one or more unselectedconnecting wires in operation S1507. In operation S1508, the detectingunit 801 detects the layout position of the connecting wire as the firstconnecting wire layout position. In operation S1509, the computing unit802 calculates a second connecting wire layout position by applying a 90degree rotation to the first connecting wire layout position.

In operation S1510, the rotating unit 804 executes a rotation processbased on the first connecting wire layout position and the secondconnecting wire layout position. The process then returns to operationS1506. The connecting wire is rearranged to the second connecting wirelayout position, which is obtained by applying a 90 degree rotationabout the macro origin to the first connecting wire layout position.

In an unselected connecting wire does not exist (operation S1506: No),the output process is executed in operation S1511, and the process ends.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary inverter. The inverter includes aninput terminal IN and an output terminal OUT. The inverter includes adiffusion layer zone, a Poly layer gate, LA layer wiring, LB layerwiring, NA layer via holes, NB layer via holes, and NC layer via holes.A common inverter may be used. The inverter includes a first IN terminaland a second IN terminal. The first IN terminal and the second INterminal are coupled via LA layer wiring. The inverter includes a firstOUT terminal and a second OUT terminal. The first OUT terminal and thesecond OUT terminal are coupled via LA layer wiring.

Either the first terminal or the second terminal may be directly coupledto a external signal line. The other terminal may be electricallycoupled to the external signal line via the directly-coupled terminal.In FIG. 16, the external signal lines are not illustrated. The externalsignal lines may include wiring in a wiring layer that is connectible tothe wiring in the LB layer via the NC layer via holes. The externalsignal lines may also include signals that are input into IN from anexternal source and signals that are output from OUT to an externaldestination. The second terminal layout positions may be positionsobtained by applying a 90 degree rotation on the center of the inverterto the first terminal layout positions.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary inverter. A first terminal may bepositioned at the center position of the inverter. The first IN terminallayout position is disposed at the center position of the inverter. Whenthe first IN terminal is disposed at the center position of the cell,the first IN terminal and the second IN terminal may be substantiallythe same or similar.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary NAND. The NAND illustrated in FIG. 19may be a 2-input NAND including a first terminal and a second terminal.The NAND includes input terminals IN1 and IN2, and an output terminalOUT. The NAND includes a first terminal and a second terminal for eachof the IN1, IN2, and OUT terminals. Either the first terminal or thesecond terminal is coupled to an external signal line based on the macroorientation. The 2-input NAND may be a common NAND.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary NAND. A first terminal may be disposedat the center position of the NAND. The first OUT terminal is disposedat the center position of the NAND. Since a first terminal is disposedat the center position, the first terminal and the corresponding secondterminal may be substantially the same or similar.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary resistive element. The resistiveelement illustrated in FIG. 21 may include a first terminal and a secondterminal. The resistive element illustrated in FIG. 21 may be a Polyresistive element, and may include terminals A and B, which are coupledto external signal lines. A first terminal and a second terminal areincluded for each of the A and B terminals. Either the first terminal orthe second terminal is coupled to the external signal line based on themacro orientation. The resistive element may be a common resistiveelement.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary capacitive element. The capacitiveelement illustrated in FIG. 22 includes a first terminal and a secondterminal. The capacitive element includes terminals A and B, which arecoupled to external signal lines. A first terminal and a second terminalare included for each of the A and B terminals. Either the firstterminal or the second terminal is coupled to the external signal linebased on the macro orientation. The capacitive element may be a commoncapacitive element.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary macro orientation. In FIG. 23, avertically-oriented macro and a horizontally-oriented macro areillustrated. The vertically-oriented macro and the horizontally-orientedmacro include an element 1, an element 2, and an element 3, which aredisposed with substantially the same orientation. The elements 1, 2, and3 include first terminals indicated by squares and second terminalsindicated by circles. The vertically-oriented macro includes a firstterminal, while the horizontally-oriented macro includes a secondterminal. The shapes of the connecting wires that couple elements in thevertically-oriented macro and the horizontally-oriented macro may besubstantially the same or similar.

A design support method may be recorded onto a computer-readablerecording medium, such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO,or a DVD. A design support program may also be read from a recordingmedium and executed by a computer. The design support program may alsobe distributed via a network such as the Internet.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although the embodiment(s) of the presentinventions have been described in detail, it should be understood thatthe various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A design support method, comprising:detecting, by a computer, a layout position of a first terminal in acell as a first layout position from layout data including a pluralityof cells arranged in a plurality of orientations in a macro, the firstterminal being arranged at a first orientation included in the pluralityof orientations; calculating, by the computer, a second layout positionof a second terminal which is arranged at a second orientation which isdifferent from the first orientation based on a variation from the firstorientation to the second orientation and the first layout position;detecting, by the computer, whether the second layout position of thesecond terminal overlaps a layout position of another terminal of thecell; outputting, by the computer, information indicating an overlapwhen the second layout position of the second terminal overlaps thelayout position of another terminal of the cell, and repeating thedetecting of the layout position of the first terminal in the cell;associating, by the computer, the second layout position with the firstlayout position and the layout data, and inserting a second terminal atthe second layout position and coupling the second terminal to the firstterminal when the second layout position of the second terminal does notoverlap the layout position of another terminal of the cell; andoutputting, by the computer, an association result.
 2. The designsupport method according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal couplesto the first terminal through a wire in a wiring layer positioned lowera than a terminal layer.
 3. The design support method according to claim1, further comprising: setting as the second layout position a positionobtained by applying a 90-degree rotation, on a center position of thefirst cell, to the first layout position; and associating the secondlayout position with the first layout position and the layout data. 4.The design support method according to claim 1, wherein the calculating,the associating and the outputting are skipped when the first layoutposition indicates a center of the cell.
 5. A design support apparatus,comprising: a processor configured to execute operations as units, theunits include, a detecting unit which detects a layout position of afirst terminal in a cell as a first layout position from layout dataincluding a plurality of cells arranged in a plurality of orientationsin a macro, the first terminal being arranged at a first orientation; acalculating unit which calculates a second layout position of a secondterminal which is arranged at a second orientation which is differentfrom the first orientation based on the variation from the firstorientation to the second orientation and as well as the first layoutposition; an associating unit which associates the second layoutposition with the first layout position and the layout data; and anoutputting unit which outputs an association result from the associatingunit, wherein the associating unit detects whether the second layoutposition of the second terminal overlaps a layout position of anotherterminal of the cell, outputs information indicating an overlap when thesecond layout position of the second terminal overlaps the layoutposition of another terminal of the cell, and, when the second layoutposition of the second terminal does not overlap the layout position ofanother terminal of the cell, associates the second layout position withthe first layout position and the layout data, inserts a second terminalat the second layout position and couples the second terminal to thefirst terminal.
 6. The design support apparatus according to claim 4,wherein a calculating operation by the calculating unit, an associatingoperation by the associating unit and an outputting operation by theoutputting unit are skipped when the first layout position indicates acenter of the cell.